New Delhi, April 4: The central government has affirmed that Punjab is not currently part of the nation’s immediate nuclear power expansion plans. Replying to questions in Parliament, Minister Jitendra Singh declared that the Ministry of Atomic Energy is not reviewing any sites in the state for new reactors. This announcement follows a query regarding the potential for a power plant in Patiala, a location that had been identified as a candidate for nuclear development over two decades ago.
The Ministry stated that a site in Patran was previously found to meet the technical requirements for a major power station consisting of four 700-megawatt units. Despite the site’s potential, the project remained dormant after the state government failed to finalize a policy stance on the matter in 2007. Government officials maintained that the Department of Atomic Energy would only initiate fresh feasibility studies if the Punjab government submitted a new proposal.
To build public confidence in the sector, the government noted that the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board maintains strict oversight of all radiation and safety protocols. Comprehensive outreach efforts are also being conducted to educate the public on waste management and environmental protections. These initiatives aim to address local concerns before any new infrastructure is considered in any part of the country.
At present, the Centre asserted that no alternative locations are being scouted within Punjab. The administration maintained that the door remains open for future discussions, provided the state government identifies suitable land and expresses interest in nuclear generation. Until such a move is made, the central focus for nuclear energy remains on existing projects and pre-approved sites in other provinces.
